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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Staffs : Yoruba Iron Osun Ematon Staff
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Yoruba Iron Osun Ematon Staff - PF.4909
Origin: Southwestern Nigeria
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
48" (121.9cm) high
x 8" (20.3cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Iron
$2,500.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The night can be especially dangerous in the
African bush, not only from wild animals, but
also from the 'rulers of the night', or witches.
These are powerful women who are able to
transform their life force into a bird so they can
more easily search for victims. To combat their
evil, the Edo (diviners-herbalists) develops the
same capability of transformation in order to
fight the witches on an equal level.
One of their most effective "weapons" is the iron
bird staff, such as this beautiful example. Within
the context of pure abstraction, this creation in
iron represents a veritable world of magical
symbolism representing the real and
supernatural realms. The "crown" is a delightful
collection of shapes including inverted bells or
cones, and stylized birds. These birds are
symbolic of the night witches and of the diviners
who combat them. The diviner himself is
represented by the beautifully made chameleon
clinging to the center of the staff. Chameleons
are capable of quick changes of coloration to
hide from predators, just as the diviner can
change his appearance to deceive witches. He is
seen halfway between the physical and non-
physical worlds, with his back arched and head
alert to danger. The overall effect of this staff is
an object of perfect balance and unity; where
good wins out over evil through the harmony of
design and the power of the artist's intent.
- (PF.4909)
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